Cisco wireless controller model - AIR-CT2504-K9 & AIR-CT3504-K9

[chithambaram balasubramaniam]

HI,

We are using 3 Wireless controller model AIR-CT2504-K9 in our organization. We are facing Wi-Fi slowness issue in Wi-Fi Band 6. As we suspect that this slowness problem affects WiFi 6 band laptops only, while Wi-Fi 5 band laptops works fine. We will be planning to upgrade the controller's software. Please find below controller details.

Controller Model - AIR-CT2504-K9

AP Models - AIR-CAP1702I-E-K9, AIR-CAP2702I-E-K9, AIR-CAP3702I-E-K9

Current Software version - 8.0.140.0

Planning to upgrade the software version - 8.5.171.0

Could you please advise to me, if we will upgrade the software to 8.5.171.0, The slowness issue will be resolve in Wi-Fi band 6 laptops or else issue is still present.

Also please confirm, which cisco controller model starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6. Your answer is more helpful to us.

[Kasun Bandara]

this is kind of issue which you need more deep dive other than only looking to OS of WLC.

1. you need to check AP models and their coverage capabilities in wifi6.

2. use some wifi analyzer tool to identify signal levels for locations where you have issues

3. also do some frequency analysis to identify if there is any  interference. also before upgrade WLC make sure all APs you are using compatible with new OS.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html

[chithambaram balasubramaniam · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your answeers

Could you please clarify the below doubts,

1. Which cisco controller model starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6?

2. Which cisco AP models starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6?

3.Right now we are using controller software version is 8.0.140.0. Which software version starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6?

Your answer is more helpful.

[Kasun Bandara]

@chithambaram balasubramaniam cisco 9100 series APs support wifi 6. to support that you need to upgrade controller also. if you dont have 9100 APs, either you can upgrade to new APs and controller or stay in wifi 5 and below.

[JPavonM · Accepted solution]

@chithambaram balasubramaniam you can check these answers in the compatibility matrix @Kasun Bandara shared above:

1. Which cisco controller model starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6? This is supported in AireOS models 3504, 5520 and 8540, but they are EoL. The recommendation is to move to new Catalyst 9800 model.

2. Which cisco AP models starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6? This is only available in all Catalyst 9100 models. WiFi6E is supported on Catalyst 916x models.

3.Right now we are using controller software version is 8.0.140.0. Which software version starting to support the Wi-Fi band 6? You WLC from model 2504 does not support WiFi6 APs.

HTH

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

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@chithambaram balasubramaniam wrote:

Could you please advise to me, if we will upgrade the software to 8.5.171.0, The slowness issue will be resolve in Wi-Fi band 6 laptops or else issue is still present.

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No, it won't because 1700/2700/3700 do not support 802.11ax (aka WiFi 6).